Three worthy Richmondites were presented on Thursday with Canadian Sovereign Medals to recognize their exceptional volunteer achievements.
Christine McNulty, Manjit Singh and retired RCMP Staff Sgt. Walter Tyrrell were awarded the medals along with 44 others at Government House in Victoria by the Lt.-Gov. of B.C. Janet Austin, on behalf Gov.-Gen. of Canada Julie Payette.
Thousands of student athletes in the Lower Mainland have benefited from McNulty's contributions to sport.
For more than 30 years, she has taken a leadership role with organizations such as BC School Sports, giving students from throughout the province an opportunity to participate in provincial championships.
Singh has volunteered with the Canadian Red Cross for more than 10 years and is a sought-after first-aid trainer who is passionate about teaching life-saving skills to immigrants and refugees.
He is also an active member of the Dashmesh and Nanak Sar Sikh temples, through which he volunteers at events and tutors youth.
After retiring from the RCMP, Tyrrell volunteered with the RCMP sub-detachment at YVR for 15 years. He was well known for his friendly and professional manner and became a subject matter expert on the building, providing information and advice to RCMP members and the public.
As an official Canadian honour, the medal incorporates and replaces the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award, created in 1995, by then-governor general Roméo LeBlanc.
The medal builds on the legacy and spirit of the Caring Canadian Award by honouring the dedication and commitment of volunteers.
The design of medal was created by the Canadian Heraldic Authority, based on a concept by Darcy DeMarsico of the Chancellery of Honours. The medal is manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint at its Ottawa facility.
